Grading every Dallas Mavericks player ahead of 2024 NBA Playoffs

3. Maxi Kleber

Maxi Kleber is someone who if you looked at the stat sheet, you would assume that he doesn't make much of an impact. Kleber is averaging 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from downtown. This has been the worst season of his career when just looking at stats, but his impact as the small-ball five is big.

The Mavs struggle against floor-stretching bigs, and Kleber's ability to guard bigs on the perimeter as well as down low is solid. He can effectively guard three through five, and Dallas' small-ball units with him at center have performed much better than people like to give him credit for.

Offensively, Kleber's game is at his best when he plays with confidence. It's obvious when Kleber is shooting and playing with confidence, and it's a huge difference from when he is playing timidly. At his best, Kleber is a reliable 3-point shooter and can occasionally get to the rim or hit a mid-range jumper.

Kleber has had a rough two years when it comes to injuries as he has dislocated his toe and tore his hamstring, but he has been healthy (for the most part) ever since.

Kleber gets a B- on the year as he put his extremely slow start behind him and will be a key piece in the playoffs.